THE boss of a national materials group has refused to rule out more expansion in the region after it acquired another North-East firm.

Sherburn Minerals Group, based at Sherburn Hill, County Durham, has been bought by the Breedon Group.

The latest acquisition, worth £15.7m, comes just months after Breedon bought Hope Construction Minerals, which had sites across the North East including Darlington and Bishop Auckland.

Sherburn, which employs 110 people, operates four quarries and five ready-mixed concrete plants in Shadforth in County Durham, South Shields, Hartlepool, Richmond in North Yorkshire, and Cumbria.

The company also distributes products from two import terminals at Blyth near Newcastle and Dundee in eastern Scotland.

Speaking to The Northern Echo, Alan Mackenzie, chief executive of Breedon Northern, said he was an “excited man” as a result of the announcement, adding it was a great way to continue activity in the North East.

“We are always looking for new opportunities, but it has to be the right one. We will only do it if it makes sense.

“After the acquisition of Hope, it was a natural progression for us.”

Mr Mackenzie said plans to improve transport links in the North-East has made it attractive for further investment, whilst adding the market is “reasonably buoyant.”

“There is investment planned in the high speed rail links, as well as highways investment including local roads, all of which will really help transport links in the North.”

Mr Mackenzie confirmed the future of the 110 Sherburn workers was secure “at present”, adding there was no plans to cut the work force.

“We are looking to grow the business,” he said.

The Sherburn group manufacturer and distribute heavy building materials in the North-East and Southern Scotland, as well as providing haulage, surfacing and waste disposable services.

Following completion of the acquisition Paul Allison, Sherburn’s current Managing Director and a minority shareholder, will remain with the business as a consultant.

Pat Ward, chief executive at Breedon, added: “Following our acquisition of Hope earlier this year, which significantly expanded our geographical footprint in the north of England, Sherburn is a perfect infill acquisition for us.

“It gives us additional mineral reserves and access to new markets for our aggregates and concrete, as well as a first-rate workforce.

“It also complements our existing cement plant at Hope and will enable us to expand our cementitious business through the importation of cement and ground granulated blast-furnace slag through Sherburn’s two strategically located terminals in north-east England and eastern Scotland.”